Thank you to everyone who attended the Alliance’s milestone 20th Annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum! Held at the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC), the watershed-wide event brought together 357 attendees and 112 inspiring speakers to empower local action towards clean water.

The theme of the Forum’s 20th Anniversary was “Shaping the Future of Conservation with Human-Centered Approaches” ensuring that the needs, well-being, and aspirations of people remain at the core of our work. We had the opportunity to reflect on the successes and challenges building a strong foundation for the next generation of conservationists in our region and the lessons that will guide us forward.

 

Views from the NCTC

a person holding a trophy of a fish sculpture

Jenny McGarvey, Forum Organizer and Capacity Building Initiative Director at the Alliance, poses with the O-fish-al fan award. Each year the award is presented to and signed by an attendee who goes above and beyond as a participant in the event.

You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

Inspirational signage showed up all over the NCTC campus as part of the Forum’s Chesapeake Collective, a creative platform for diverse voices to express their vision for a healthy bay watershed.

a person smiles while speaking at a podium

Alliance CEO, Kate Fritz, gives opening remarks.

A person gestures as they speak to a room of people

Presenter Joy Jackson shares tips for Strategic Questions and Collaborative Discussions with Forum attendees.

Rows of people in a lecture hall raise their hands

Forum attendees participate in one of the 40+ sessions held during the event.

a closeup of a small watercolor paint kit on a log

Participants of Cultivating Nature Connection, Mindfulness and Well-bring enjoyed a relaxed, interactive, outdoors session focused on developing a deeper sense of connection to nature.

a person sticks paper to a whiteboard as part of an interactive activity

Kristin Reilly, Director of the Choose Clean Water Coalition, participates in one of the many Chesapeake Collective activities found around campus.

a large grp of people in a dining hall

Forum attendees gathered on Saturday evening for a themed dinner and celebration of the 20th anniversary.

a person shucks oysters at night

Jesse Iliff, Executive Director of the Severn River Association shucks oysters for Forum attendees on Saturday evening.

Take a look at what past Forum attendees have to say below.

See more photos from the Forum

 

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Forum is a cornerstone of learning and sharing, of networking and socializing. It is where our next generation of conservationists has come to learn, sharpen their skills, build long-lasting relationships, and celebrate all that we have achieved together. Thank you to all who joined us, and we can’t wait to see you next year!